tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17902397185595730632018-05-29T08:38:45.637+03:00South Sudan Business BlogUnlocking the mystery and potential of Southern Sudan's business environmentDavid Raadnoreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-11763388574108366262010-04-16T19:42:00.003+03:002010-04-16T19:51:33.076+03:00Sudan's Elections, almost a wrap upTalking to a journalist the other day about the Sudanese election and I was asked my take on all the "stuff" going on. My reply was probably not what he wanted to hear. I believed that the real news story was the absence of lots of "stuff" going on. There's no Kenya-type violence. There's a real calm throughout Southern Sudan, despite the problems. <br /><br />All things considered, this show went off pretty smooth <span style="font-style: italic;">so far. </span>The emphasis there is that we're only at phase two of four phases of this election: registration and voting are done. Counting/reporting and the final transition are yet to come. <br /><br />Will we see any dramatic turn of events? I cant say what will happen in the north, but we'll probably see some electoral upsets in the South (that are much needed). That is, provided Jimmah Caataaah keeps his mouth shut long enough to let the people of Sudan determine what kind of outcome they want. My bet is that they want one they can be proud of.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-26650089690491812322010-04-16T19:40:00.002+03:002010-04-16T19:42:14.815+03:00Japanese pipeline for Southern Sudan's oil?Here's a recent <a href="http://www.africanewsbreak.com/?c=126&amp;a=1808">article</a> on an effort by a Japanese firm, Toyota Tsusho, in announcing a Kenya/South Sudan pipeline.<br /><br />Can it be done? Read my comments.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-20211661107309887262010-02-05T10:11:00.002+03:002010-02-05T10:47:24.284+03:00Recent economist article on South SudanOuch! Tough piece!<br /><br />Here's the link:<br /> <br /><p class="MsoNormal"> <a href="http://www.economist.com/world/middleeast-africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15469303">http://www.economist.com/world/middleeast-africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15469303</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>The reporter allowed me to advance an explanation and table further thoughts and I am grateful that at least the counter message got out there. Despite my disagreement on the story line, at least the story is out there and can be discussed some more. </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, what's the problem?</p><p class="MsoNormal">Alright. For those of you interested in business in South Sudan DO NOT do what KK Security did. Although the story does not mention it, I can list the probable shortcomings:</p><p class="MsoNormal">A failure to do the due diligence investigation of the people they allowed into their management/ownership circle.</p><p class="MsoNormal">A failure by the board to oversee and enforce management plans.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Pinning their businesses success to a relationship with a political actor (I see this a lot and I discourage it)</p><p class="MsoNormal">Assuming basic market principles and standard business practices are not applicable in this pre-emerging market.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Failure to fight for their legal rights in the local courts.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Shortcuts, shortcuts, shortcuts. These will sting a business every time.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Now, what was not mentioned in the story? Most don't know this, but there are a number of legal and administrative processes one must go through to establish a company. There are competent lawyers that can guide litigants/complainants. There are laws, courts and arbitration processes that let investors and businesses protect their interests. They somewhat arcane, but they are based on English common law and they work. <br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">For every KK Security, there are dozens (hundreds?) of enterprises thriving and turning a profit. They do so because they didn't pin their hopes to a political player, or invite his cronies into their management apparatus, or ignore the board oversight process, or take their lack of business acumen to the Economist if they get stung and blame it on Southern Sudan.</p><p class="MsoNormal">For what it is worth, I have helped one of KK's competitors, Warrior Security, enter the market more than a year ago. This was when KK dominated the market. Since then, the competitor I "landed" in South Sudan has come to own the majority market share and they provide the product their customers want and expect. Why did they beat out the established market leader in such short time? Because they run their business like a business. They didn't bother with political connections. They played straight ball and did what they came to do. <br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">So, back to the article. In my opinnion KK probably took shortcuts in their entry into the market; they traded the expediency of political connections for the normal due diligence and board oversight. Since they pinned their hopes on a political player's role, they are restricted in exploring a legal solution (the politician wont support his name being dragged into the courts). They feel properly stung and they shopped their act of revenge in the form of a hit piece to the Economist and the Financial Times (story forthcoming). A tragedy in 3 scenes. <br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>David Raadnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-39139625804010628722010-02-05T09:54:00.002+03:002010-02-05T10:11:18.862+03:00What's this Southern Sudan place all about?There's a lot out there about Southern Sudan. Lots of opinions, lots of emotions, lots of pessimism and lots of optimism. Just to save new readers the time in going through older posts, this blog skews (careens?) toward the optimistic side of the country's future. <br /><br />It comes from being involved here for almost a decade in official, political and economic roles. I know the people, the place and the history. I've seen more than the UN reports or the NGO commentary on this place; I've seen the very essence of this environment, both in the big and the intangible pieces that make up the story. <br /><br />The all-is-terrible-in-South-Sudan cliche is tiresome. The script is the same: massive (insert hunger, fighting, disease, capacity building, NGO buzzword du jour) prevails, we need more money to help. The problem is, the folks who tell the world this place is horrible have an interest it the place being <span style="font-style: italic;">seen</span> as horrible. Don't take this as some conspiracy theory (I feel comfortable in saying the aid community couldn't conspire their way out of a wet food-aid bag). It's a chance to let readers perhaps see the story behind the story. I guess that's what blogs do.<br /><br />Anyway, comments are always open, no opinions are left out. Feel free to post thoughts or further discussion. If you have a business question or want to know more about entering the Southern Sudan market, send an email to me at david at dra-ltd dot com.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-52774493890333254162009-12-17T17:09:00.002+03:002009-12-17T17:18:55.903+03:00ICG: Sudan Headed Toward Violent BreakU pNew analysis by the International Crisis Group. In my opinion, they usually either state the obvious too late or give a general worst-case scenario. I think the latter is applied here.<br /><br />Will Sudan break up? This is a near certainly.<br /><br />Will that break up happen violently? Yes and no.<br /><br />Yes, the northern security apparatus will fight to hold onto northern oil areas and Darfur. I dont believe they can fight effectively to hold on to the south. They dont have the depth of power projection required to do it effectively. That's not to say they cant or wont try -- they are notorious for making bad decisions and choosing the worst path given any choice. It's a gamble they might not be willing to risk; war on the south and in Darfur would require a security presence to guard Khartoum that they cant afford.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-51969434618562240152009-12-14T16:56:00.003+03:002009-12-14T17:00:26.365+03:00The Bottom LineWell, after months of wrangling, and some broken china, it appears that one of the largest hurdles toward CPA implementation has been crossed.<br /><br />In a nutshell: in order for a referendum for separation by the South to be valid, it must have a majority vote of 51% and must have participation of at least 60% of the registered voters. <br /><br />A fundamentally critical issue and its conclusion (if it is indeed final) is a very bright development for peace in Sudan.<br /><br />Now, on to Abeyei.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-45125592662963481922009-11-04T10:01:00.001+03:002009-11-04T10:05:10.355+03:00Sorry for the blackoutBeen traveling and such. Posting/pontificating/postulating shall resume forthwith.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-51684712802492149102009-08-20T09:27:00.004+03:002009-08-20T09:49:30.338+03:00Referendum and Election Law Negotiations Continue Between NCP and SPLMBoth sides are digging in, with some outside observations from the UNMIS head of elections observation. Actually, quite unhelpful comments from the UNMIS rep. Check out the article <a href="http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article32187">here</a>.<br /><br />For what it is worth, and in case this is the first election observation/participation for some, the parties will always haggle over the process. It is, in my opinion, a critical process in the essence of elections and plebiscites. It engenders a sense of transparency, legitimacy and fosters broad participation. <br /><br />If there are outside "official" groups who have a thought to share on their opinion of the election, the parties' political and process needs, then it might be best to hold their fire or share their thoughts more discreetly. Public comments. like those of the UNMIS representative only throw weight (unfairly, many would argue) toward one argument.<br /><br />Meanwhile, the USG is a bit more forward leaning on the process, according to this article. Gration is appears to be getting on side with the Don't-Drop-Sanctions-On-Khartoum-stance, and the SPLM seems to be qualifying their recent comments on unilateral declaration of independence. Story <a href="http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article32183">here</a>.<br /><br />And finally, Gration is claiming victory (progress?) on a non-agreement on the outstanding CPA issues. Except it does not cover the census, the referendum or other critical points that are currently under hot debate. BBC is reporting the story <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8210359.stm">here</a>. One more inane pointer: When it comes to mediating between the parties, "process" (like this) is no replacement for substance. Signing agreements that don't mean anything only give the obstinate a victory when they should be getting further pressure.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-79098724711876250372009-08-11T09:10:00.002+03:002009-08-11T09:38:30.685+03:00News Report: SPLM Says Unilateral Declaration of Independence is PossibleThe big story this week is the SPLM's signal that they wont take UDI off the table if the NCP makes unreasonable demands on the upcoming referendum. A link to the story is <a href="http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article32091">here</a>. <br /><br />A shot across the bow, certainly, but there are a few mitigating circumstances behind this strong signal from the SPLM worth considering:<br /><br />1.) The referendum is sacrosanct in the minds of the Southerners, not just the SPLM. All feel that the NCP will attempt to place conditions on the process so ridiculous that the entire effort will be thrown into disarray, delayed and/or undermined by a lack of confidence. The conditions they're bringing to the table in the discussions of this process reflect that reality. <br /><br />2.) The US was supposed to act as the defacto principal guarantor of the CPA, but that has changed. The USG position is floundering somewhere between "nuanced diplomacy" with the NCP and quibbling over humanitarian access in Darfur. The Obama Administration has neither an idea of what it wants to see accomplished in Sudan, nor does it appear to be on a track towards trying to find those objectives. <br /><br />The SPLM has been frustrated with the Obama Administration with its floundering and sees it has to help them refocus on the project at hand, namely the CPA. Throwing down the UDI card is the best/only way to help Washington refocus on its role of being the principal guarantor of the CPA. Let's see how they respond.<br /><br />3.) The final point is that succession by referendum in the South is virtually a given. This will be a serious black eye to Khartoum and the NCP. Forcing the SPLM and the south to break it off by a UDI is a face saving tack they can take. Unfortunately, getting tough by the SPLM on this issue only walks into their trap.<br /><br />Bottom line: this marker laid down by the SPLM isnt coming out of left field; it's the consequence of existing realities. They're simply getting tougher in order to realign allies and keep the NCP on the defensive.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-8647313484785548202009-08-10T19:12:00.000+03:002009-08-10T19:17:35.092+03:00GOSS Shuffles Ministry UndersecretariesThe GOSS has just announced the a reshuffle of Ministry Undersecretaries as of today. <br /><br />The changes include:<br /><br />Dr. Cirino Hiteng -- Ministry of Presidential Affairs:<br />Rebecca Joshua Kwaci – Pubic Service<br />Majok Mading – National Expert to the FVP Office<br />Gorge Justin Achor – Ministry of Regional Cooperation<br />Deng Biong Majak – Legal Affairs<br />Daniel Wani – Housing<br />Dr. Makuei Malual – Agriculture<br />Lt gen Frasier tong – Wildlife and Tourism<br />Chuor Deng Mareng – Commerce and Industry<br />William Acer Maciek – Energy and Mining<br />Mark Zenabayeo- Employees Justice<br />Raymond Pitia Morebe -- Roads and Transportation<br />Waragak Gatluak -- Animal Resources<br />Martin Mou Mou -- Education Science and Technology<br />Willaim Ater Maciek – Energy and Mining<br />Rebecca Joshua Kwacha -- Public ServiceDavid Raadnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-82910543599944587502009-08-03T17:19:00.002+03:002009-08-03T17:22:19.246+03:00Abyei Follow Up: Local Tribes Hold Peace ConferenceNgok Dinka and Messeria tribes held a peace conference this week to cement the recent Abyei ruling. <br /><br />An auspicious event, to be certain, but certainly one of many to come.<br /><br />Read the story <a href="http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article32002">here</a>.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-88753280345770199272009-07-28T10:17:00.002+03:002009-07-28T10:23:38.688+03:00An Interesting Abyei News Roundup ReportA pretty good summary report of the Abyei decision and outcome is <a href="http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article31953">here</a>. <br /><br />The decison, as noted in earlier posts solidly defines the territory of the Ngok Dinka and (in a bit of over simplification on my part) defines much of the disputed area of Abyei into Southern Sudan.<br /><br />However.<br /><br />The two most productive oilfields (Heglig, Bamboo) in the area were not included in the definition of Abyei. That means that unless the north-south boundary commission and the oil commission don't find a solution internally, there will be another arbitration process (yet to be defined). <br /><br />So, is this a good or bad development? I think neither. It is a <span style="font-style: italic;">necessary</span> process that will be undertaken no matter what happens in Sudan's future. <br /><br />Stay tuned.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-91565414412079149142009-07-23T09:02:00.002+03:002009-07-23T09:24:10.176+03:00Abyei: A Great Development, But Not the EndWe've been talking about the importance of the recent development on Abyei in this blog. The arbitration process underway in the Hague issued its ruling last night.<br /><br />It was accepted by both parties in a bright and substantial <a href="http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article31898">statement</a>. <br /><br />This means: tension should diminish as both sides forces' move apart. The communities need to be briefed on the development, which takes time, but had already prepared for this outcome. <br /><br />Here's the qualifier: the Hague's finding on the common border opened up a new dispute over the common boundaries of Heglig and Bamboo oil fields to the east and west of Abyei, respectively. <br /><br />Is this as fraught with danger as the total Abyei process? I don't believe so. Determining what percentage of an asset that straddles a common boundary is a common practice in the oil industry and between neighbors.<br /><br />Bottom line: solution mostly in place. Tensions reduced. New issues to be resolved have lower political stakes and can be resolved amicably.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-86273967291556607142009-07-17T11:38:00.002+03:002009-07-17T11:41:28.744+03:00Bashir's take on the North/South Peace Process: "Satisfactory"Read the story <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090715/wl_nm/us_sudan_south">here</a>. <br /><br />This would have been an important time for President Bashir to reiterate his confidence in the outcome of the Abyei arbitration effort.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-34336921616525730192009-07-17T11:20:00.002+03:002009-07-17T11:38:06.393+03:00Abeyi Developments Forthcoming -- A Significant Milestone in Sudan's FutureLots has been written here on this blog regarding the disputed Abyei area in regards to Sudan's future and its stability. <br /><br />The exact demarcation of the area, straddling the border of north and south Sudan, has been a contentious issue for several reasons; the significant oil deposits in it, the historical implications of the boundary location (prioritizing tribal and colonial boundaries vs. contemporary boundaries); and the win/lose sentiment of regional political constituencies (whether or not important constituencies of the north or the south achieve their local objectives). Needless to say, it has been a high-stakes process.<br /><br />The international arbitration effort underway in the Hague will give their final report on the process on the 23rd of July. That will be the date to watch this space. It is a key indicator of the future of the north/south peace.<br /><br />The Government of Southern Sudan has reiterated their willingness to accept the outcome, come what may, while the NCP in Khartoum hasn't renewed their earlier commitment to live up to the arbitration's outcome. This may be something to consider, but it could be inconsequential; the NCP could simply have overlooked their need to state a continued confidence in the process and willingness to abide by the outcome. Either way, we shall soon see what the ruling will bring. <br /><br />More <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090716/wl_africa_afp/sudanconflictsouthoilabyei">here</a>.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-89777894954303783202009-07-10T11:59:00.004+03:002009-07-10T12:24:30.619+03:00Economist story on South Sudan's WildlifeA very controversial situation amongst wildlife conservation folks working in South Sudan right now. <br /><br />Short story: through an unusual and very unclear process, an organization apparently linked to the UAE royal family, has acquired unfettered access to a large swath of land in Southern Sudan for "wildlife enjoyment purposes" (this is our description). The organization is pouring resources into the area, presumably for infrastructure improvements linked to the project, but the public is not quite sure. <br /><br />No doubt over time this will garner more publicity in the wildlife industry and more questions will certainly emerge. Unanswered questions on projects are always a problem in this area; murky situations always draw speculation and bad press that is neither helpful nor productive toward the larger goal of improving the local wildlife industries' viability.<br /><br />Since there are too few answers and we only wish success for an enterprise wanting to accomplish something of this size and scale, we'll only state this: businesses can learn from their possibly precarious situation. Marketing, CSR and public information campaigns cannot be overlooked when undertaking projects in Southern Sudan. <br /><br />Any business wanting to enter this market should be sure to include these elements in your business planning. DR&amp;A can certainly help if you have questions. It's worth even a smattering of planning, time and energy to prevent a reputation hit like this from <span style="font-style: italic;">The Economist</span>.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-11142469585462161032009-07-01T12:00:00.002+03:002009-07-01T12:06:46.040+03:00Breaking News: Sudan Delays Elections Again -- and why this is a good thingA few posts down readers can see the election laws and time line from the National Election Board. If you look closely at the time line for the original Feb, 2010 election it reads that the registration should begin . . . June 2 or thereabouts. That did not happen, nor would it happen in another few months. <br /><br />The country still needs its constituent areas demarcated on the ground, the Abyei issue definitively resolved, and the political tug-of-war dealt with on the census. This delay gives the parties to the CPA time enough to get these issues behind them and settled. Without -- at a minimum -- these issues definitively addressed, any plebiscite, regardless of the outcome, risks its legitimacy. <br /><br />In our opinion; thumbs up to this delay.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-76173530182785559312009-06-30T15:53:00.003+03:002009-06-30T15:56:12.275+03:00More on Banking in South SudanWe've written a few outlines on the banking industry in Southern Sudan on this blog. It is still an under serviced industry with inevitable growth and plenty of room for investment.<br /><br />Here's a Gurtong banking story that gives some decent background on the banks operating in South Sudan today. Read the article <a href="http://www.gurtong.org/ResourceCenter/weeklyupdates/wu_contents.asp?wkupdt_id=3000">here</a>.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-50177535384856226692009-06-30T15:40:00.002+03:002009-06-30T15:50:39.506+03:00South Sudan Government and Business Stakeholders Call for Review of Taxation ProceduresGood article from Gurtong on the trouble with taxes in Southern Sudan. For those unaware, the Government of National Unity in Khartoum, the Government of Southern Sudan, the individual sates and local municipalities have the ability to impose taxes. Often, all do so making the cost of doing business expensive and driving up the cost of living.<br /><br />It is a good development that the GOSS is meeting with business leaders to discuss the problem of double and even triple taxation, and what to do about it. I'd rate this as a major step forward. Let's see if they can build and maintain some momentum on this. Read the article <a href="http://www.gurtong.org/ResourceCenter/weeklyupdates/wu_contents.asp?wkupdt_id=3002">here</a> for more.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-76894124563946968242009-06-30T15:36:00.002+03:002009-06-30T15:38:54.927+03:00Sudan Election Documents and TimelinesThe proposed timeline for the elections is <a href="http://www.gurtong.org/ResourceCenter/documents/Reports/Elections-09/NATIONAL%20ELECTIONS%20COMMISSION-TimeFrame.doc">here</a>. What proposed means, in this environment, is that things are always subject to change. <br /><br />The National Election Act of 2008 is <a href="http://www.gurtong.org/ResourceCenter/documents/Reports/Elections-09/nationalelectionsact2008.pdf">here</a>.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-39177682072578609902009-06-17T09:21:00.002+03:002009-06-17T09:34:56.334+03:00GOSS and US Govt Sign $203 Million New Grant DealA long time in the works, the GOSS and USAID signed an agreement on a new development grant (not a loan, a grant). The $203 million grant will focus on a few cherry picked programs; womens' education, health issues that deal with malaria and such, and some ambiguous governance and elections issues. <br /><br />We're a proponent of development aid, as long as it fosters the fragile economic conditions of an environment like Southern Sudan's. Inundations of food aid, and other free commodities, removal of the most productive individuals from the labor pool for unproductive aid project "administration", etc., all retard local economies. <br /><br />For example, the prolonged (and still underway) inundation of food aid has almost killed off South Sudan's indigenous agricultural production. Why would local farmers clear and farm land when others give food and food products for free? An unintended consequence of food aid being applied too long and too generously, certainly, but a stark reminder that not every "solution" is a solution. <br /><br /><br />We'll look for the link to the whole agreement and post it later.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-96147298172590862009-06-06T12:40:00.002+03:002009-06-06T12:46:07.994+03:00Two Sudans are Better Than One - The Weekly Standard.TWS is a widely-read weekly news/politics magazine in the US. Yes, it has a decidedly conservative tilt, but its editorials and features are well argued, concise and timely. <br /><br />Speaking of timely, check out its analysis on the north/south situation. The article, I think, represents the first major pronouncement/article that spells out a rational argument for succession by the south.<br /><br />Read it <a href="http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/016/590trnxd.asp?pg=1">here</a>.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-70096448788081317982009-06-01T08:16:00.003+03:002009-06-01T08:28:19.835+03:00GOSS Cabinet reshuffleBusiness and politics observers have been itching for a cabinet reshuffle within GOSS for some time. Financial and security mis-steps have caused justifiable concerns in the past 6 months, and have provided a few distractions for the GOSS when they have larger issues to deal with (elections, Darfur, Khartoum in general). This personnel change is a very strong start toward a government providing Southern Sudan with the service it needs.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article31343">Here's</a> the reshuffle list.<br /><br />A further point of explanation is necessary when looking at the GOSS cabinet; the country is a multicultural, multi tribal, and multi lingual -- the cabinet must reflect these realities and ensure that all groups from all areas are represented substantially in the leadership. It is my opinion that the best candidates were assigned the portfolios that needed their competent attention.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-84744816005132983082009-05-31T11:26:00.003+03:002009-05-31T11:49:15.405+03:00Introducing Luri River Development -- South Sudan's largest property development projectJuba and most of the southern reaches of South Sudan are poorly served in terms of freight handling, transportation nodes, and the ability to fully utilize the Nile as a transportation asset. <br /><br />Luri River Development (LRD) is a solution that addresses all of these challenges, and more. <br /><br />LRD is a 60-plus hectare mixed-use development site within the city limits of Juba, South Sudan. The project site is a mere 5 kilometers from Juba International Airport and includes 1200 meter of deep-water river front. <br /><br />LRD envisions a 3-part, mixed-use development scheme; a port, storage and handling facility; a hotel, retail and commercial area; and of course residential properties. This project is the largest of its kind; no where else in the Juba area can one find river front property, privately owned and managed, and ready for immediate development and occupation. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">We are currently meeting with developers and those who are interested in this optimally-located, pristine site. </span><br /><br />Questions about the LRD project can be sent to us at david @ dra-ltd.com. We'll be happy to discuss the many opportunities this property can offer.David Raadnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1790239718559573063.post-25557558879106060182009-05-27T12:01:00.002+03:002009-05-27T12:17:48.780+03:00Agriculture in Southern SudanIn simple terms, Southern Sudan is a pre-emerging market. It is not yet an agriculture-based economy; it's more of what an economist would describe as a transitional environment: transitioning from a conflict-zone/relief-dependent environment to a trading/post-war/subsistence economy. The principal economic endeavors include importation/retail activities and servicing local government and bilateral donors' development projects. Not much more.<br /><br />There exists almost every demand one would imagine in Southern Sudan. The most lucrative, and the one with the highest potential is agriculture. With surplus arable land, getting into the business of farming is becoming a issue to on-the-ground investors of a question of not if, but when and how big. Almost all of the food is imported form Uganda (!) at remarkable cost (taxes and transport). There is unlimited potential.<br /><br />Farming and agricultural activities do exist in Southern Sudan, but they were hammered by the war and the subsequent flooding of the market by donors of their free grain, oils and relief aid. Most of the farming that does take place is subsistence. Food for work programs exist still, and donors are just now getting into the scale-back-the-free-food-and-let-the-industry-develop concept. This means opportunity.<br /><br />DR&amp;A has a great deal of experience in Southern Sudan's agricultural sector. We've worked in every state and have years of local/government interfacing under out belts. If you have questions about agricultural activities there, be sure to email us at the address to the right or at david ( at ) dra-ltd.comDavid Raadnoreply@blogger.com4